(EA Figures) Mass Effect Series II: Garrus Vakarian

There is no Shepard without Vakarian. Damn straight. Garrus is also a mainstay crew member of the trilogy. He is awesome. I love this guy and despite the scarcity of "Archangel" figures out there, I do believe I tried to catch the two that are noteworthy and feasible in my collection. I like this figure and I'll explain why.

For collector's sake, I regret not getting Miranda, even though this is not a good representation of the sexy Cerberus agent.

The sculpt is fantastic. It is a Turian body and we can easily recognize Garrus in a heartbeat. It has his signature battle damaged armor, his visor, and for his only accessory, he has a sniper rifle; trademark of the Archangel of Omega.

The paint isn't exactly accurate to his ME2 aesthetics, but it is fairly good. The blue seems a bit too metallic, which I get what they were going for, it's just that I feel it is a bit off. Garrus' Turian features are fine, not as crisp, but does well enough.

Much like the other figures in this wave, he is outdated in the idea of articulation. Yes, you can get him to do some things like dancing, or holding his gun, but don't expect a whole lot. But he does have some forgivable qualities since Mass Effect action figures are rare and the affordable ones are are even more scarce for my collection.

The closest figure that I know of that can compare to EA Mass Effect figure in regards to Garrus is the Playarts Kai version of Garrus. Different time, different price points, different quality, different versions of Garrus(EA is ME2 and PAK is ME3), but both are my only Garrus figures and I appreciate them. Both are definitely cool enough to join my ranks of awesome figures!

Again like the rest of the set, there is a lot left to be desired. With that though, there is a lot to factor in as to why this/these figures are missing a lot. All in all, if you are a Mass Effect fan and is just looking for something affordable to put on your collection that is Mass Effect related, then this is it for Garrus Vakarian! 

(EA Figures) Mass Effect Series II: Mordin Solus

Mass Effect 2 was all about characters. It built up some of the best characterization I have seen in video games both new and old. One of the best that came out of the series is Mordin Solus. Had to be him, someone else might have gotten it wrong. While I was never that fond of the Salarians, I grew to really like what they are, their role in the Mass Effect lore, and all their quirks through Mordin. So, let's check out this figure to see if this pays homage to Mordin Solus.

Much like the rest of the ME2 crew (I don't count Garrus and Tali since they were with Shepard since ME1), Mordin is sidelined to mere support and nonplayable character in ME3; while he had one of his best moments in my game(he can survive! I just found that out reently), I still wish that he was by my side as part of my 'core' crew.

I've always liked Mordin's designs from the get go of the game. He has a 'doctor' look to him, but still have that 'badassery-space-feel' that one would need from a Special Ops Scientist. The paint is good so I can't complain(a lot of that is good in this series). The resemblance is pretty spot on and you can tell it's Mordin; they really got the distinct scars and the uneven 'head' on this figure.

AND... just like the rest of the figures in this series, you can't expect him to be articulated for some dynamic poses. But I was able to get some fairly adequate ones that I am happy with. He has a few swivels on his biceps, wrists, and some decent range with his shoulders that allowed me to get certain 'shooting' or other 'natural' poses for this Salarian. Unfortunately his legs aren't as cooperative and since he needs the stand to stay upright, the range of movements with his legs or any dynamic poses are out the window.

Here he is next to the only Mordin Solus merchandise I own: the Official Bioware Mordin Solus bust. It's pretty cool that there is some consistency between these two even if they are two completely different creatures (at least figure wise).

Overall, I like this figure. Probably my favorite one as of right now(still have two to review; well, ONE actually since I have Garrus' photoshoot done and I have my verdict on him, just have to put it in words). It looks like Mordin and it does a decent tribute to a character whom I could not save. A character who in my game went out like a true hero. I'd welcome more Mordin Solus figures if I can find one that is in a decent price! Unfortunately, with Andromeda around the corner, we might not be getting anymore merchanise from the previous Mass Effect Trilogy. 

(EA Figures) Mass Effect Series I: Grunt

Grunt was that character that you weren't supposed to get. The Krogan scientist that created him, Okeer, was supposed to be the Krogan member in the ME2 lineup but that didn't happen no matter what you did. Who you get is a tank bred Super (Krogan) Soldier named Grunt. This figure is plastic bred and has been in the case for some time but it's time to get him out of there!

I really do regret not getting Thane. I might still, though. Thane ended up being of my favorites in the Mass Effect lore. Grunt, on the other hand, I really started appreciating when we get into ME3. But that's another topic for another day. On to the figure.

While Wrex looked more 'organic' and closer to how all Krogans dressed, Grunt has a metallic and almost cybernetic look to him. Compare it to Hulk and Iron Man; Wrex is Hulk while Grunt here is sporting the Iron Man look. I liked his design and I like how it came out in the figure. From what I can remember, it looks accurate, save for the less vibrant lights in different parts of his body (reminds me of Iron Man's repulsors).

As everything that goes with this line: we get a weapon and a stand. That's it. Grunt has a shotgun and he holds it well enough. Definitely better than how Legion holds his sniper gun.

And his articulation isn't something that will wow anyone. But they do serve their purpose adequately for him to be displayed. Nothing dynamic, though.

Being the only Krogan in my collection of Mass Effect paraphernalia, I think he fits the job well. I'd prefer Wrex since he is a classic, but Grunt is cool. This figure is cool. Again, like a broken record, this line is outdated and more or less an affordable, detailed, and somewhat articulated statues. As a Mass Effect fan, I've found the enjoyment for them! 

(EA Figures) Mass Effect: Legion

Does this unit have a soul? Ah yes, Legion. As much as we all can say (for those who ship Tali and Shepard) that without Shepard, there would be no Tali, or that Shepard stole a huge part of Tali's (Quarian) heart, I do want to point out that from how I see things, Legion is a portion of Tali's story. And yes, we have the Quarians vs Geths lore so that is inevitable, but what I'm saying is, a lot of how Tali is was defined by her interaction with Legion. We saw her rage, her weakness, her hatred, and her undying and loveable compassion. Anyways, I digressed, but this is my review on this dated figure of one of my favorite ME characters: Legion.

Just as a note, Miranda Lawson is the only figure in series 2 that I did not buy. Hindsight, I sort of regret that now since I can't say I finished this entire set(though this entire thing is missing Samara, Kasumi,  and Zaeed). Still, having Legion is an awesome accomplishment.

It was hard to hate the Geth after playing ME2. Replaying the trilogy some time back, when I was playing ME1, I couldn't fully see them as 'evil' after playing ME2 and ME3. So with that, the details in the Geth may not be that astonishing, but they did offer something cool to the space lore mix. This figure did a fantastic job replicating some of those details. Legion is still very much a Geth but he had certain differences that helped to make him stand out. Those differences, the figure tried to uphold that with their sculpt. Well, Legion was 'battle-damaged' the whole time and he wore a piece of Shepard's armor on his right arm.

The paint also kept true to Legion's darker color scheme. It has a good combination of dark hues that bounce off each other really well that really gives him an overall color coordination without being too outstanding. The only red on him, the stripe on Shepard's N7 theme is the only vibrant thing about him. In the hole on his chest, Legion was given these 'teal' colored dots that were supposed to represent the sparks coming out of him; yeah it did not translate well.

Aside from the plain stand, Legion comes with a sniper rifle. Again, these figures are so dated that there's not much to admire. Articulation is lacking as well and I can't get Legion in a better pose aside from a few 'neutral' standing poses.

He's more like a statue rather than anything else; the whole series is like that actually. Keep that in mind and these won't be a disappointed. Though there will be some frustration that one can't get him in a better pose, or at least a pose that would at least concur with Legion's personality. Great details though and probably one of the few Legion figures that we are provided with in such an affordable price! I like him! 

Bishoujo: Tali'Zorah

She is finally here! The second statue addition for my 2016 line up and it's only March! My oh my! What a year it is going to be for collecting! Well, before any of that, I do want to talk about this beauty. Other than the obvious fact that I love Tali and all the things she is from Mass Effect, this statue proves to be a gem! So with that opinion in tow, let's go ahead and jump on the figure and scrutinize what makes her great in my opinion!

Somehow I was under the impression only special version have black boxes. Guess I was wrong, but Tali is special. Well, on to the figure!

We'll do a complete look at the figure but just looking at this angle, I have to say she is gorgeous. We'll start off by talking about her paint job... immaculate! Everything about the different variations of purple really does make you think Tali. The patterns on her 'clothing' is also rather recognizable and the small hints of gold all about are also accurate. The layers and all the different textures that are put into this are just amazing.

 

 

Then of course the black contrasts along with the silver! I can't go enough in details to say just how much I am impressed with Kotobukiya's work on the paint job. Time after time I am just astounded by how well this company can make a popular female character and make them 'their own version'. Though Tali, paint job and all, still symbolizes her Bioware counter part in every way.

Now when we talk about the sculpt, yes this is Tali. Down to the core. The way her veil hangs around her head, the little straps here and there, her signature Quarian hands and feet, then the wonderful 'mysterious' face that is just teased through her helmet:

We did get a 'canon' version of her face in Mass Effect 3, so perhaps it would have been nice to get a variant. But I know not a lot of fans appreciated that and some even want to keep this mysterious look of Tali; so for that sake, this one looks good. It's transparent to see the shape of her face and the 'eyes', but not enough to reveal anything about her enigma that she held from Mass Effect 1 until near the end of Mass Effect 3.

The details on her Quarian Reegar Carbine is amazing as well. Just the rivets, the certain color palette to signify metal... man.

Then look at those different textures put into her suit. The straps. I love those different honeycomb sections then to the... uh.... err.... This is Tali accurate!

And just like Jane Shepard and Juri Han, Tali has alternate stand designs. As you can tell, I chose the Tali art more than the 'Mass Effect 3' lettering for a permanent stand. Though, I do know this suit more from Mass Effect 2; and that game was my favorite out of the three.

And here is Bishoujo Tali next to some of my Mass Effect Playarts Kai figures(Garrus and Tali). Obviously Tali Bishoujo has the details while the Playarts Kai has the articulation and the accessories. I don't have too many Mass Effect collectibles, but I do love what I have. I swear I will have a 'redo' review for some of these figures.

And as I mentioned before, FemShep shares her alternate stand and I still have Ms. Shepard designed with her Renegade symbol and her gun rather than her Ombi-blade. They stand well side by side, I say.

And here she is in my Mass Effect shelf that is slowly growing. I don't think there are anymore in my crosshairs when it comes to Mass Effect merchandise so I should be good. Though those POPs.... hmmm.

I didn't mention the 'negative' things about this Bishoujo--that's because there is hardly any for me. I mean, a variant weapon or head is always nice, but this one is as simple as it is awesome. I think this is a lovely addition to anyone Mass Effect/ Tali fans. Bishoujo did a great job and it isn't so anime enough to take away for anyone who loves Mass Effect but aren't big into the anime versions of some of the work Bishoujo does. I love her and I'm glad to have her in my collection!

Also for those who are interested, there is a variant colored version. I am pretty sure I won't be getting her because the change isn't that drastic to warrant buying it; basically it almost feels like I'd be buying the figure twice.